Indonesia, with a population of 280 million people and 70% of its citizens in the productive age group, has the potential to drive high-value industries, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness. One significant potential lies in the healthcare sector: more than two million Indonesians spend around USD 11.5 billion annually on medical treatment abroad, with more than 75% coming from the upper-middle and upper classes. This foreign exchange outflow highlights a gap and an urgent need to provide world-class healthcare services closer to the people.
The Important Role of D-HUB BSD City SEZ for the National Economy
The government is optimizing this opportunity through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as engines of economic growth, one of which is D-HUB SEZ in BSD City, inaugurated on October 7, 2024 through Government Regulation No. 38 of 2024 as the only SEZ in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek). While healthcare is its main focus, D-HUB SEZ is also developing three other high-value sectors: education, digital technology, and the creative economy, making BSD City a strategic center for national and global opportunities.
BSD City, Indonesia’s largest independent smart city spanning 6,000 hectares and developed by Sinar Mas Land, allocates 60 hectares specifically for D-HUB SEZ. Located 30 minutes from Jakarta and Soekarno-Hatta Airport, the area is projected to create 13,000 new jobs for more than 32 million people in Greater Jakarta, while also generating national impact.
The Role of Education and the Creative Economy in D-HUB BSD City
In addition, through the development of education and the creative economy—with the creative economy sector projected to contribute 8% to GDP over the next five years—D-HUB SEZ offers co-production, IP incubators, and cultural programs, making it a center for innovation, research, talent, and employment that can attract highly talented Indonesian diaspora members to return home.
Investment Convenience through D-HUB BSD City Facilities and Incentives
In addition to modern infrastructure, the area offers various investment facilities for global investors, including fiscal incentives such as tax holidays/tax allowances, exemptions from VAT, luxury goods tax, import duties, and excise; as well as non-fiscal incentives including simpler licensing and bureaucracy, immigration facilitation, smoother movement of goods and labor, and supportive spatial planning.
Biomedical Campus (BMC), a smart building designed by NBBJ—the global architect behind Google and Amazon headquarters—together with Surbana Jurong and supported by Microsoft technology, presents an integration of research, education, and industry. With global tenants ranging from a Malaysian fertility institution, Singaporean regenerative healthcare services, South Korean aesthetic surgery, Japanese vocational education, to open-source solution companies, BMC positions Indonesia as a regional medical hub.
Global Universities Strengthen the Educational Ecosystem in D-HUB BSD City
Monash University (ranked 36th in the QS World University Rankings 2026) is present in the D-HUB SEZ area as a new benchmark for global education, while BINUS University strengthens the talent pipeline from campus to industry through global partnerships. Also present is Powell Studio Lofts, a property adaptive to future needs, with direct access to SEZ facilities, a premium location, and proximity to healthcare and digital clusters.
Inclusive Ecosystem of D-HUB BSD City Reinforces Indonesia as a Regional Hub
Mulyawan Gani, Strategy Advisor of D-HUB SEZ, emphasized:
“We are not only building infrastructure, but an ecosystem with high-paying jobs, more affordable world-class healthcare and education services, as well as the growth of the creative economy. With government support, we are building a foundation for inclusive growth that benefits both society and businesses. D-HUB SEZ is the blueprint for the transformation of Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and we invite global strategic partners and visionary investors to join us.”
With the combination of world-class infrastructure, global tenants, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and a focus on strategic sectors, D-HUB SEZ BSD City reinforces Indonesia’s position as a regional hub for innovation, healthcare, education, and the creative economy, creating tangible investment and growth opportunities for the nation and businesses.
